LA GRANDE — The Eastern Oregon University Music Department, in collaboration with faculty members Mio Aoike and Peter Wordelman, is planning Community Fazioli Piano Day on April 20.

This event invites individuals from the community to showcase their musical talent on the Fazioli piano in McKenzie Theatre.

“For many, especially in a rural community like ours, this is an incredible opportunity to play such a unique and extraordinary instrument,” Aoike said. “We invite the community to come and display their talents.”

The day is divided by age groups:

• Elementary and middle school: 10 a.m.
• High school: 11 a.m.
• College and adult: 1 p.m.

This event is a special outreach project aimed at providing a rare opportunity for individuals to perform on a world-class instrument.

By participating, individuals not only enrich the local musical community but can also support the EOU Music Scholarship Funds in the EOU Foundation.

While the event is free, donations will be appreciated from performers and audience members to support the EOU Music Scholarship funds in the EOU Foundation.

In December 2018, the EOU Foundation premiered the brand-new concert grand piano, the black Fazioli, at the Holiday Music Festival. Donors raised $150,000 to purchase, tune and care for this high-quality instrument in 12 months.

The Fazioli replaced a 64-year-old piano that had been manufactured in 1953. The efforts to raise the $150,000 for the Fazioli worked in conjunction with a renovation of McKenzie Theatre.

“When our area students come and perform, we want to ensure that they have access to the best equipment in the region,” Wordelman said. “Now, the community has that opportunity as well.”

Hundreds of EOU students, community members and guests perform alongside the grand piano in McKenzie Theatre every year in dozens of events — from choir concerts and visiting artists to senior recitals and orchestra performances.

To participate in Community Fazioli Piano Day, simply sign up using the Google Form via bit.ly/4au4Ttj.

Performances are free for all to enjoy, with donations welcomed to further music education at EOU.

The music department is planning a special program as a grand finale, so everyone is encouraged to stay.